Westin Sportsman X Grille Guard Works Magic on Giant Truck Grilles

October 5, 2019April 19, 2022 Mag Boddington 0 Comments Grille Guards, Truck Accessories, Westin

Modern trucks continue to amaze. With ever-increasing horsepower, tow ratings, and payload capacities, complemented by impressive fuel economy and enough on-board tech and safety gadgets to rival a high-end luxury badge, America’s truck scene sits in the middle of an automotive renaissance. But all that consistent performance makes for one hot engine. And all those emissions regulations make for one cramped engine compartment.

Hence, enormous truck grilles.

The grille on the 2020 Chevy Silverado HD is comically large. *Source: Chevrolet*

There’s no way you’ve missed them. Big growling fascias reminiscent of industrial-grade air conditioners and commercial kitchen equipment. Peering down at us mere mortals, who dare drive something as plebeian as an economical hatchback, with cold LED eyes manufactured from the tears of hopeful environmentalists.

Okay, so maybe I’m getting carried away. And maybe you like the big OE grilles! (For that, we question your personal taste…)

However, if you’re looking to inject a little…Oh, I don’t know—personality?… into your front end, while also improving function and bumping up protection, it might be time to check out the new Westin Sportsman X Grille Guard.

Westin Sportsman X Grille Guard

Introduced at last year’s SEMA but just available for purchase this summer, the Westin Sportsman X Grille Guard is an update on an old classic. “We’ve had the Sportsman Grille Guard for quite some time and figured it was about time we redesign it,” explained Westin’s Cameron Quiroz in a product interview at SEMA. Available for all new-model trucks from Chevy, Ford, Nissan, RAM, and Toyota, the Westin Sportsman X Grille Guard does more than just provide a little extra oomph in a low-speed collision.

The design gracefully (mercifully) elevates big OE grille designs, thanks to its aggressive styling, complemented by a trendy euro top center bar and sleek black powder coat finish. And a unique plate design not only adds interesting detail, but also provides maximum support to the outer wings.

Westin's Sportsman X Grille Guard effectively combines aggressive styling with heavy-duty front-end protection. — “Westin’s Sportsman X Grille Guard effectively combines aggressive styling with heavy-duty front-end protection.” *Source: Westin*

Constructed of heavy-duty 1 5/8” outer steel tubing and 2 1/4” wide upright rubber strips, the Sportsman X has some muscle on its first-gen predecessor. “We thickened up every tube on it, added sensor provision, and also put a nice little step area in the bottom so you can have access to the engine cab,” explains Quiroz.

That step is made of die-stamped steel for maximum traction, and a small removable mesh panel designed for the factory sensor location opening is included as standard. For specific Chevy and Dodge/RAM applications, a Sportsman X Sensor Kit is sold separately.

Light It Up

“But the coolest feature, I think, is the integrated light bar. It’s got a daytime running light, so in the daytime you can have that nice little glow feature. Then, when you need full light, flip the switch up to full power.”

We’ve talked about Westin’s recent foray into the lighting scene—particularly in regards to LED integration as a way to offer a complete quality package with cost savings for customers. The Sportsman X Grille Guard rides that wave with an optional detachable mesh panel (sold separately), specifically designed to fit the opening in the center section, that can be removed to accommodate the flush-mounted 26” dual row LED light bar (also sold separately).

The Westin Sportsman X Grille Guard comes with an optional 26" dual row LED light bar. — Integrating lighting options into Westin products allows the company to offer complete aftermarket solutions to its customers. *Source: Westin*

The low-profile light bar is part of the Sportsman X Light Kit, crafted just for this grille design. Featuring an extruded aluminum housing construction, as well as dust and moisture-resistant lens, the Sportsman X Light Kit offers both gentle daytime running lights and high-powered spot and flood beam patterns. Everything you need for installation comes included in the kit, making it true plug-and-play.

User-Friendly

The new Westin Sportsman X Grille Guard is also easy to install, with vehicle-specific mounting hardware included with purchase. Most applications are no-drill and the installation itself can be done in the comfort of your own garage or driveway. Plus, you can rest assured your purchase is protected, thanks to a stellar customer service team and a comprehensive 3-year warranty.

Westin has shown time and again that it not only understands OE designs but also exactly what it is that customers are looking for. Let’s face it—with all the jokes, jabs, criticisms, and winces these ever-widening grille designs have been receiving from industry pros and enthusiasts alike, it’s safe to say that OEs need to expand their focus group pool.

But we also have to face the fact that many manufacturers are simply working with what they’ve got. These trucks require massive cooling to maintain the impressive features we’ve come to know and love. So, sadly, those terrifying fascias aren’t going anywhere. Luckily, companies like Westin are waiting in the wings with really great aftermarket options to add some versatility and liven up that stock styling.

How do you feel about modern truck grille styling? And more importantly, what do you think about the new Westin Sportsman X Grille Guard? Let us know in the comments.